Life Lesson: Love What You Do

Well here's an ironic twist. In Thursday’s blog, I reported that Henry Vaccaro, who appeared on Money for Breakfast, had acquired a letter from former New England Patriots owner Chuck Sullivan written to Michael Jackson complaining about losing $100 million on the Jackson family victory tour. Vaccaro came to possess the letter because it was in the cache of Michael Jackson memorabilia which he received as part of the settlement of a lawsuit against the famous gloved one.

Well, it turns out that my dad, who is a music attorney, became involved in the original matter when things really started to go downhill. At the request of one of Sullivan’s vendors, my dad met with Jackson and his manager. My father said that Jackson was a very gentle gentleman and, while he was willing to make some business concessions, it was not enough to save the deal.

Speaking of my father Bob Donnelly… His law firm (Lommen, Abdo, Cole, King & Stageberg) held a huge party on Tuesday night to commemorate his 30th anniversary as a music attorney. My father started in the music business three decades ago working as in-house counsel for a fledgling management company called Leber Krebs. During the time that my father was with them, Leber Krebs grew to become the biggest management company in America, launching the careers of superstar bands like Aerosmith, AC/DC and Def Leppard.

Every one of the musicians who performed that night (like the Smithereens or the Bogmen) spoke about my father’s extraordinary commitment to the cause of artists’ rights. My father is probably best known for bringing a case against the major record labels with then-attorney general Eliot Spitzer which resulted in a return of $55 million being paid to artists in back-due royalties. Governor Spitzer sent a beautiful handwritten note which was read by my stepmother Marie. It began with the words, "It's hard to imagine it has been 32 years since you hired me as an intern..." and ends with, "You have created the perfect world - hanging out with rock stars and getting paid for it!"

It was quite a night! I was so proud. Rock and Roll Hall of Famers like Lovin Spoonful's Joe Butler and so many others stopped by to make a toast and sing a song with my dad, who likes to say that he has the best attorney job in North America.

The one thing that everyone says about my dad, and the thing I love most about him, is his passion. It has never been about the money. He has dedicated his life to artists’ rights and helping others! He has taught me one of the most vital lessons in life: love what you do!!!!!